Foxtrot Company graduates LTC

Cadet Laura Benz, Foxtrot Company Commander, leads her company through procedures during graduation on August 5. Photo by Rebecca Thompson.

By Crystal AllenLeader’s Training Course

Cadets were reunited with their families Monday after three weeks apart. Parents hugged their Foxtrot Cadets and congratulated them on completing the Leader’s Training Course.

The 159 Cadets of Foxtrot Company formed bonds with their comrades that many never experience.

“You understand what it takes to be a part of a team and appreciation for being a follower,” said Col. Maria Gervais, deputy commanding officer for U.S. Army Cadet Command and the guest speaker for the graduation held at Brooks Field.

LTC is designed to not only to build Cadets into future Army leaders, but also to increase their confidence, leadership capabilities and determination. All are qualities Cadets will use outside of the Army as well.

“You’ve opened doors and opportunities that only the greatest institution, the United States Army, could offer,” said Col. David Wood, the LTC commander.

Autumn Randell, a junior at Florida State University, accomplished everything she planned to during her 29 days at Fort Knox.

“I learned so much about the military and what I’m getting myself into,” Randell said. “I developed confidence in myself that I never knew was there.”

Before LTC, Randell had a fear of speaking in front of large groups. Now she goes home with the ability to be heard and lead others.

“I’m excited to get back to my school and contract,” she said.

Jonathan Ortiz, a junior at the State University of New York at Binghamton, had little military experience before LTC.

“I didn’t think people would listen to me as a leader, but then people followed me,” he said.

Coming into LTC, Ortiz had the attributes of a Soldier. The course enhanced them even more.

“It was definitely a better summer for me than just sitting at home hanging out with my friends,” he said.

Ortiz was excited about graduating and is looking forward to what comes next, he said. He plans on joining the Army and using the qualities LTC instilled in him along the way.

“I’m going to go back to school and try to take what I learned here and go beyond what I can do as a normal Cadet,” he said. “Try to be the best Cadet that I can be.”